Instruction Manual
Table Of Contents
- STIHL MS 261 C-M
- 1 Guide to Using this Manual
- 2 Safety Precautions
- 3 Reactive Forces
- 4 Working Techniques
- 5 Cutting Attachment
- 6 Mounting the Bar and Chain (side chain tensioner)
- 7 Mounting the Bar and Chain (quick chain tensioner)
- 8 Tensioning the Saw Chain (side chain tensioner)
- 9 Tensioning the Saw Chain (quick chain tensioner)
- 10 Checking Chain Tension
- 11 Fuel
- 12 Fueling
- 13 Chain Lubricant
- 14 Filling Chain Oil Tank
- 15 Checking Chain Lubrication
- 16 Chain Brake
- 17 Winter Operation
- 18 Electric Handle Heating
- 19 Starting / Stopping the Engine
- 20 Operating Instructions
- 21 Oil Quantity Control
- 22 Taking Care of the Guide Bar
- 23 Shroud
- 24 Air Filter System
- 25 Cleaning the Air Filter
- 26 M-Tronic
- 27 Spark Arresting Screen in Muffler
- 28 Spark Plug
- 29 Storing the Machine
- 30 Checking and Replacing the Chain Sprocket
- 31 Maintaining and Sharpening the Saw Chain
- 32 Maintenance and Care
- 33 Main Parts
- 34 Specifications
- 35 Ordering Spare Parts
- 36 Maintenance and Repairs
- 37 Disposal
- 38 EC Declaration of Conformity
described in the Instruction Manual. All other
work should be carried out by a servicing dealer.
STIHL recommends that maintenance and repair
work be carried out only by authorised STIHL
dealers. STIHL dealers receive regular training
and are supplied with technical information.
Use only high-quality spare parts. Otherwise,
there may be a risk of accidents and damage to
the machine. If you have any questions in this
respect, consult a servicing dealer.
Do not modify the machine in any way – this may
increase the risk of personal injury –risk of acci‐
dents!
To reduce the risk of fire due to ignition outside
the cylinder, move the master control level to
STOP, 0 or † before turning the engine over on
the starter when the spark plug boot is removed
or the spark plug is unscrewed!
Do not service or store the machine near a
naked flame – risk of fire due to the fuel!
Check fuel cap regularly for tightness.
Use only spark plugs that are in perfect condition
and have been approved by STIHL – see "Speci‐
fications".
Check ignition lead (insulation in good condition,
secure connection).
Check that the muffler is in perfect working con‐
dition.
Do not use the machine if the muffler is damaged
or missing – risk of fire, damage to hearing!
Never touch a hot muffler – risk of burns!
The condition of the anti-vibration elements influ‐
ences vibration behaviour – inspect anti-vibration
elements periodically.
Inspect chain catcher – replace if damaged.
Switch off the engine
–
To check the chain tension
–
To retension the chain
–
To replace the chain
–
For remedying malfunctions
Observe sharpening instructions – for safe and
proper handling, always keep the chain and
guide bar in flawless condition. Keep the chain
properly sharpened, tensioned and well lubrica‐
ted.
Change chain, guide bar and chain sprocket in
due time.
Regularly check that the clutch drum is in perfect
working condition.
Always store fuel and chain lubricant only in the
specified type of containers and ensure they are
correctly labelled. Store in a dry, cool and secure
place protected against light and sunlight.
In the event of a chain brake malfunction, switch
off the machine immediately – risk of injury! Con‐
sult a servicing dealer – do not use the machine
until the malfunction has been remedied, see
"Chain brake".
3 Reactive Forces
The most common reactive forces that occur dur‐
ing cutting are: kickback, pushback and pull-in.
3.1 Dangers of kickback
Kickback can result in serious or fatal
injury.
001BA036 KN
(Kickback) occurs when the saw is suddenly
thrown up and back in an uncontrolled arc
towards the operator.
3.2 Kickback occurs if, e. g.,
001BA257 KN
–
when the upper quadrant of the bar nose unin‐
tentionally contacts wood or another solid
object, e.g. when another limb is touched acci‐
dentally during limbing.
–
when the chain at the nose of the guide bar is
pinched in the cut.
3 Reactive Forces English
0458-153-8321-C 7